2022 - Best Nursing Schools in Louisiana

Overview of Nursing Schools in Louisiana

About Nursing Schools in Louisiana

The Louisiana Center for Nursing reported that the state currently has 48,300 registered nurses. Even though most of the nurses work in hospitals, employment in hospitals is seeing a decline. Louisiana nurses can seek employment in physician’s offices as well as positions in long-term care. In Louisiana, a majority of nurses are over the age of 50 and will be retiring in the near future. Over time, there will be a strong demand for more nurses to fill the void. It is because of this that more qualified applicants are being accepted into both ADN and BSN degree programs.

In our Louisiana RN program guide, find rankings for both ADN and BSN Degree programs, tuition costs, NCLEX passing rates, and more. Research key Louisiana RN Program information to help you compare program metrics and to apply to best RN program for your career in nursing.

In the State of Louisiana, nurses are helping to change the face of healthcare. To ensure that they have the best education and preparation for future health care challenges, registered nurses need to graduate from a state-approved associate's degree in nursing program or a BSN degree program.

Nurses who graduate from an RN program can obtain certification in over 100 nursing specialties, go on to earn an RN to BSN or RN to MSN degree.

BSN degree holders have options to earn an Advance Practice Register Nursing (APRN) degree and become a Nurse Practitioner (NP), or earn an advanced degree for a career in any number of nursing leadership roles such Nurse Educator or Clinical Nurse Specialist.

Louisiana RN Program Comparisons: ADN vs BSN

Best Ranked RN Programs in Louisiana

To help nursing students in their search for a top RN program, the education experts at RNCareers.org publish their annual findings of the best nursing schools for both Louisiana and the country. Schools ranked on our list have proven their ability to educate highly competent nurses.

To create our rankings, we evaluated 12 ADN degree programs and 13 BSN degree programs in Louisiana. We obtained each institution’s first-time NCLEX-RN passing rates, the number of students taking the test, the program nursing accreditation and more. We then compared the results against other nursing programs in Louisiana to provide our state rankings. View our methodology. 

Best Nursing Schools (BSN) in Louisiana

Fransciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University

School of Nursing

99.01% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  5414 Brittany Dr, Baton Rouge, LA - 70808
• 
  (225) 526-1700

Nurse Admin: Amy Hall, PhD, RN, CNE

Title: Dean, School of Nursing

• NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 99.01%
• Programs: Registered Nursing
• Award Levels: Accelerated BSN, Bachelor

Located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University (FranU) is a SACSCOC-accredited, leading Catholic educational institution. Its School of Nursing aims to prepare students with the knowledge and skills necessary for healthcare through its engaged learning approach. Aside from its innovative programs, FranU has a Simulated Environment

View More

University Information

• Total Faculty: 89
• In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $1,200
• Book and Supplies: N/A
• Percent Received Aid: 92%
• Average Grant or Scholarship: $6,991
• Percent Admitted: 47%
• Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 42%
• Graduation Rate: 38%

University of Holy Cross

98.45% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  4123 Woodland Drive, New Orleans, LA - 70131-7399
• 
  (504) 394-7744

Nurse Admin: ,

• NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 98.45%
• Programs: Registered Nursing
• Award Levels: Bachelor

Located in New Orleans, Louisiana, University of Holy Cross (UHS) was founded in 1916 and was initially called Our Lady of Holy Cross College. This inclusive university which has its roots in the Marianite Sisters is SACSCOC-accredited to award its associate, baccalaureate and master’s degrees. Its Department of Nursing (DON)

View More

University Information

• Total Faculty: 69
• In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $1,300
• Book and Supplies: N/A
• Percent Received Aid: 93%
• Average Grant or Scholarship: $6,239
• Percent Admitted: 53%
• Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 9%
• Graduation Rate: 38%

University of Louisiana at Lafayette

College of Nursing and Health Sciences

97.71% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  104 University Circle, Lafayette, LA - 70503
• 
  (377) 482-1000

Nurse Admin: Melinda G. Oberleitner, DNS, RN

Title: Dean

• NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 97.71%
• Programs: Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
• Award Levels: Bachelor, MSN, MSN to DNP, Post Master's NP Certificate

University of Louisiana at Lafayette’s Department of Nursing under its College of Nursing & Allied Health Professions provides hands-on experience for a world-class quality education. UL Lafayette is named after its location, Lafayette, Louisiana. Nursing (Pre-Licensure BSN) - This four-year pre-licensure Bachelor of Science in Nursing program has a total

View More

University Information

• Total Faculty: 718
• In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $10,346
• Book and Supplies: $1,300
• Percent Received Aid: 96%
• Average Grant or Scholarship: $9,319
• Percent Admitted: 67%
• Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 35%
• Graduation Rate: 51%

McNeese State University

College of Nursing

97.53% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  4205 Ryan St, Lake Charles, LA - 70605
• 
  (337) 475-5000

Nurse Admin: Ann Warner, PhD, RN, CNE

Title: Interim Dean and Professor

• NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 97.53%
• Programs: Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
• Award Levels: Associate, Bachelor, LPN to BSN, MSN, Post Master's NP Certificate

The College of Nursing and Health Professions in McNeese State University in Lake Charles, Louisiana provides experiential learning. Aside from this learning approach wherein students get to gain experience from working with healthcare professionals in various health settings, McNeese also has a clinical simulation laboratory medical mannequin. Moreover, organizations like

View More

University Information

• Total Faculty: 258
• In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $8,380
• Book and Supplies: $1,300
• Percent Received Aid: 96%
• Average Grant or Scholarship: $6,283
• Percent Admitted: 63%
• Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 56%
• Graduation Rate: 44%

Louisiana State University (LSU) Health Science Center

School of Nursing

97.38% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  433 Bolivar St, New Orleans, LA - 70112-2223
• 
  (504) 568-4808

Nurse Admin: Demetrius J. Porche, PhD, DNS, RN, APRN, FNP-BC, CNS, FAAN, FAANP

Title: Interim Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs

• NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 97.38%
• Programs: Family Nurse Practitioner, Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
• Award Levels: Accelerated BSN, Bachelor, BSN to DNP, LPN to BSN, MSN, MSN to DNP

Louisiana State University (LSU) Health Science Center in New Orleans is SACSCOC-accredited to award its associate, baccalaureate, master’s, and doctoral degrees, as well as its professional certificates. LSU is affiliated with more than one hundred health care institutions wherein its students can conduct clinical experiences. Moreover, its BSN, MSN and

View More

University Information

• Total Faculty: 856
• In-State Undergraduate Tuition: N/A
• Book and Supplies: N/A
• Percent Received Aid: N/A
• Average Grant or Scholarship: $2,922,823
• Percent Admitted: N/A
• Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
• Graduation Rate: N/A

Southeastern Louisiana University

College of Nursing and Health Sciences

97.31% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  548 Ned McGehee Ave., Hammond, LA - 70402
• 
  (985) 549-2000

Nurse Admin: Ann K. Carruth, DNS, RN

Title: Dean

• NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 97.31%
• Programs: Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
• Award Levels: Accelerated BSN, Bachelor, BSN to DNP, LPN to BSN, MSN, MSN to DNP, Post Master's NP Certificate

Founded in 1925, Southeastern Louisiana University is a SACSCOC-accredited university located in Hammond. Its School of Nursing under the College of Nursing and Health Sciences offers bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral and certificate programs. Its BSN and DNP programs are CCNE-accredited Bachelor of Science in Nursing - Southeastern LA university offers four

View More

University Information

• Total Faculty: 513
• In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $8,289
• Book and Supplies: $1,300
• Percent Received Aid: 97%
• Average Grant or Scholarship: $7,295
• Percent Admitted: 97%
• Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 44%
• Graduation Rate: 40%

University of Louisiana Monroe

96.35% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  700 University Avenue, Monroe, LA - 71209-0000
• 
  3183421000

• NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 96.35%
• Programs: Registered Nursing
• Award Levels: Bachelor, LPN to BSN, MSN

The Kitty DeGree School of Nursing in University of Louisiana Monroe (ULM) has nursing baccalaureate and master’s degree accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Founded in 1960, the said School of Nursing under the College of Health Sciences aims for a transformative education that meets the needs

View More

University Information

• Total Faculty:
• In-State Undergraduate Tuition: N/A
• Book and Supplies: N/A
• Percent Received Aid: N/A
• Average Grant or Scholarship: N/A
• Percent Admitted: N/A
• Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
• Graduation Rate: N/A

Northwestern State University of Louisiana

College of Nursing

95.30% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  175 Sam Sibley Drive, Natchitoches, LA - 71497-0002
• 
  (318) 357-6011

Nurse Admin: Anna Morris, DNP, RN, CNE

Title: Senior Director & Chief Nurse Administrator

• NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 95.30%
• Programs: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing, Women's Health Nurse Practitioner
• Award Levels: Associate, Bachelor, LPN to BSN, MSN, MSN to DNP, Post Master's NP Certificate

With its first nursing students in 1949, Northwestern State University (NSU) of Louisiana, is the state’s first public institution to offer a nursing program. Students benefit from the guidance of NSU’s faculty consisting of experienced health care professionals. Moreover, NSU entered an articulation agreement with 11 colleges for ease of

View More

University Information

• Total Faculty: 320
• In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $8,672
• Book and Supplies: $1,300
• Percent Received Aid: 98%
• Average Grant or Scholarship: $7,774
• Percent Admitted: 95%
• Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 37%
• Graduation Rate: 47%

Nicholls State University

College of Nursing

91.93% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  University Station La Hwy 1, Thibodaux, LA - 70310
• 
  (877) 642-4655

Nurse Admin: Sue Westbrook, DNS, RN

Title: Dean

• NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 91.93%
• Programs: Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
• Award Levels: Bachelor, LPN to BSN, MSN

Located in Thibodaux, Louisiana, Nicholls State University is an accredited educational institution. This non-discriminatory university is the only one serving the Bayou Region. Its College of Nursing has several organizations such as the Nicholls Association of Student Nurses (NASN). Moreover, its BSN and MSN programs are CCNE-accredited and Louisiana State

View More

University Information

• Total Faculty: 268
• In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $7,946
• Book and Supplies: $1,300
• Percent Received Aid: 98%
• Average Grant or Scholarship: $7,369
• Percent Admitted: 93%
• Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 40%
• Graduation Rate: 45%

Best Nursing Schools (ADN) in Louisiana

Louisiana Tech University

Division of Nursing

98.80% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  1310 West Railroad Avenue, Ruston, LA - 71272
• 
  (318) 257-2000

Nurse Admin: Sherry Peveto, DNP, MSN, RN

Title: Director

• NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 98.80%
• Programs: Registered Nursing
• Award Levels: Associate

Situated in Ruston, Louisiana Tech University’s Division of Nursing is housed by its College of Applied and Natural Sciences (ANS). The college itself focuses on student success through critical thinking and analytical reasoning skills development. Aside from the outreach activities and research opportunities provided by the college, it also has

View More

University Information

• Total Faculty: 391
• In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $10,065
• Book and Supplies: $900
• Percent Received Aid: 99%
• Average Grant or Scholarship: $9,148
• Percent Admitted: 64%
• Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 41%
• Graduation Rate: 61%

South Louisiana Community College

97.80% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  1101 Bertrand Drive, Lafayette, LA - 70506-4109
• 
  (337) 521-9000

• NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 97.80%
• Programs: Registered Nursing
• Award Levels: Associate

South Louisiana Community College (SLCC) is a SACSCOC-accredited educational institution, located in Lafayette, Louisiana. SLCC has a nonprofit organization formed in 2003 which aims to advance financial support for the college through program and technological advancements, as well as scholarships and staff development. Its Nursing & Allied Health Division programs

View More

University Information

• Total Faculty: 154
• In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $1,300
• Book and Supplies: N/A
• Percent Received Aid: 94%
• Average Grant or Scholarship: $4,119
• Percent Admitted: N/A
• Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
• Graduation Rate: 28%

Northwestern State University of Louisiana

College of Nursing

95.90% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  175 Sam Sibley Drive, Natchitoches, LA - 71497-0002
• 
  (318) 357-6011

Nurse Admin: Anna Morris, DNP, RN, CNE

Title: Senior Director & Chief Nurse Administrator

• NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 95.90%
• Programs: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing, Women's Health Nurse Practitioner
• Award Levels: Associate, Bachelor, LPN to BSN, MSN, MSN to DNP, Post Master's NP Certificate

With its first nursing students in 1949, Northwestern State University (NSU) of Louisiana, is the state’s first public institution to offer a nursing program. Students benefit from the guidance of NSU’s faculty consisting of experienced health care professionals. Moreover, NSU entered an articulation agreement with 11 colleges for ease of

View More

University Information

• Total Faculty: 320
• In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $8,672
• Book and Supplies: $1,300
• Percent Received Aid: 98%
• Average Grant or Scholarship: $7,774
• Percent Admitted: 95%
• Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 37%
• Graduation Rate: 47%

Louisiana Delta Community College

95.70% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  7500 Millhaven Rd, Monroe, LA - 71203
• 
  (866) 500-5322

Nurse Admin: Sherita Williams,

Title: Program Director, Associate of Science in Nursing

• NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 95.70%
• Programs: Registered Nursing
• Award Levels: Associate

Located in Monroe, Louisiana Delta Community College (LDCC) is a SACSCOC-accredited non-discriminatory, open-admission college. Its School of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences offers Nurse Assistant, Practical Nursing, and Registered Nursing Programs. LDCC’s Associate of Science Nursing Program is fully approved by the Louisiana State Board of Nursing (LSBN), and accredited

View More

University Information

• Total Faculty: 89
• In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $1,220
• Book and Supplies: N/A
• Percent Received Aid: 94%
• Average Grant or Scholarship: $3,310
• Percent Admitted: N/A
• Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
• Graduation Rate: 14%

Baton Rouge Community College (BRCC)

95.30% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  201 Community College Drive, Baton Rouge, LA - 70806
• 
  (866) 217-9823

Nurse Admin: Michael Beauford,

Title: Program Director

• NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 95.30%
• Programs: Registered Nursing
• Award Levels: Associate

Baton Rouge Community College (BRCC) is a comprehensive community college in Baton Rouge. It has cross enrollment and articulation agreement with Southern University, Louisiana State University, and Southeastern Louisiana University, for a convenient transfer into four-year degree programs. BRCC’s Division of Nursing & Allied Health is the first Baton Rouge

View More

University Information

• Total Faculty: 149
• In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $1,300
• Book and Supplies: N/A
• Percent Received Aid: 89%
• Average Grant or Scholarship: $4,349
• Percent Admitted: N/A
• Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
• Graduation Rate: 27%

Bossier Parish Community College (BPCC)

94.50% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  6220 East Texas, Bossier City, LA - 71111-6922
• 
  (318) 678-6000

Nurse Admin: Carolyn Burroughs,

Title: Dean/Professor, Science, Nursing, and Allied Health

• NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 94.50%
• Programs: Registered Nursing
• Award Levels: Associate

Bossier Parish Community College (BPCC), named after its location, Bossier City, Louisiana, is a SACSCOC-accredited institution. It is non-discriminatory in all its operations—from program acceptance to employee hiring. BPCC’s Division of Science, Nursing, and Allied Health aims to serve the Northwest Louisiana citizens by providing quality educational training for its

View More

University Information

• Total Faculty: 119
• In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $1,300
• Book and Supplies: N/A
• Percent Received Aid: 90%
• Average Grant or Scholarship: $4,867
• Percent Admitted: N/A
• Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
• Graduation Rate: 20%

Louisiana State University of Alexandria

94.20% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  8100 Hwy 71 South, Alexandria, LA - 71302-9121
• 
  (318) 445-3672

Nurse Admin: Battalora,

Title: Professor of Nursing

• NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 94.20%
• Programs: Registered Nursing
• Award Levels: Associate, Bachelor

A unit of the LSU system, Louisiana State University of Alexandria (LSUA), named after its location, is a publicly-supported educational institution. Its School of Nursing emphasizes life-long learning for diverse students. It also strives for educational excellence and patient-centered care provision in various settings. Associate of Science in Nursing -

View More

University Information

• Total Faculty: 86
• In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $6,884
• Book and Supplies: $14,024
• Percent Received Aid: 94%
• Average Grant or Scholarship: $5,829
• Percent Admitted: 64%
• Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 26%
• Graduation Rate: 31%

Delgado Community College

92.20% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  615 City Park Avenue, New Orleans, LA - 70119
• 
  (504) 671-5000

• NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 92.20%
• Programs: Registered Nursing
• Award Levels: Associate

Delgado Community College’s Charity School of Nursing in New Orleans aims to equip students’ for entry level nursing careers. Designed to prepare them with the knowledge and skills for competent and patient-centered nursing care, the curriculum is centered on the learner and is conducted through a blend of distance and

View More

University Information

• Total Faculty: 321
• In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $1,200
• Book and Supplies: N/A
• Percent Received Aid: 90%
• Average Grant or Scholarship: $4,223
• Percent Admitted: N/A
• Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
• Graduation Rate: 9%

Additional Listings for Louisiana Nursing Schools

Become an Advance Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) in Louisiana

RNs who wish to become advanced practice registered nurses will want to pursue any number of avenues to earn Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree. Earning a Master of Science in Nursing consists of graduate-level coursework and clinical practice for those nurses who wish to direct patient roles such as a nurse practitioner. You can also pursue indirect patient roles such as teaching or leadership roles, or become involved in policy, state-wide health initiatives or community engagement. There are many clinical and non-clinical avenues that an RN with MSN can pursue.

Become a Nurse Practitioner (NP) in Louisiana

Learn how to become a Nurse Practitioner (NP) and research schools in Louisiana offering the following high paying nurse practitioner specialties:

• Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
• Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
• Family Nurse Practitioner
• Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
• Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
• Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
• Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
• Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner

Learn about Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Degree.

Louisiana  RN Licensing Requirements

Louisiana State Board of Nursing
17373 Perkins Road
Baton Rouge, LA 70810
Phone: (225) 755-7500

Website: http://www.lsbn.state.la.us/

Fees:
Initial licensing fee, RN: $142.50
License renewal, RN: $80-$105 depending on date or renewal

Continuing Education Requirements:
RNs: Five, 10, or 15 contact hours every year, based on employment

RN Licensure by Exam

Prior to graduation, nurses should begin the steps towards licensure. The candidate will apply to the board and register to Pearson VUE, which is the company that administers the NCLEX exam. The exam can be scheduled after the candidate receives the authorization to test (ATT). The Louisiana State Board of Nurses may grant candidates a temporary permit when they registered with Pearson. In the case the candidates fail an examination the permit will become no longer valid. If clinical work was completed in Louisiana, fingerprints will not be required. The only online program for initial licensure that is accepted is Excelsior College. This requires a $100 application fee and $42.50 fingerprinting fee as well as the $200 NCLEX exam. Candidates who do not pass the NCLEX will be required to complete a retake request along with a $100 money order.

RN Licensure by Endorsement

Nurses who have obtained licensure in one of the other 50 states may obtain licensure in Louisiana by endorsement. There is a $142.50 application fee for the endorsement if the application is sent in by mail. The fee will increase to $152.50 if the application is brought in and fingerprints are done on site. Candidates who wish to work under a temporary permit will have to pay $192.50 for mailed in applications and $202.50 for applications turned in on site. In case of a disaster or emergency, out-of-state nurses may be granted a disaster permit to work as a volunteer or paid employee.

RN License for Nurses Educated Abroad

International registered nurses are required to take the CGFNS qualifying exam unless the NCLEX has already been passed. Candidates may also be required to take the TOEFL to prove English competency.

RN Salaries in Louisiana

Nurses in Louisiana earn a median annual salary of almost $62,000. The salary increases with education and experience. Nurses who have obtained a bachelors degree or higher are likely to be more experiences with:

• Administration and leadership positions
• Researching statistical data
• Positions dealing with ethics
• Writing and implementing policy

An RN to BSN degree program can be completed in about 12 months. This is dependent on the program the nurse chooses. The programs are designed to meet the need of busy nurses to help encourage more baccalaureate prepared nurses.

Louisiana Registered Nursing Salaries

The New Orleans metropolitan area has the largest amount of registered nurses employed than any other area in Louisiana. It should not come as a surprise then that the same area has the highest hourly mean wage and annual median wage.
Source: BLS, Department of Education, State Board of Nursing, Nursing School Websites.